Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In

BART and Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) officials held opening ceremonies this morning at the new Berryessa and Milpitas BART stations to mark tomorrow's launch of service on the $2.3 billion extension from Warm Springs.

"This is an event that some in this group have been anticipating for over thirty years," said Cindy Chavez, Chair of the VTA. The extension, which broke ground in 2012, was originally projected to open in 2016. But at this morning's ceremony there was little talk about the delays. "We deserve a moment of respite from all our crises," said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. "This is a reminder of what we can accomplish."

Cindy Chavez at the ceremony. Photo: BART/VTA's stream
Cindy Chavez at the ceremony. Photo: BART/VTA's stream
false

Three years ago the last extension towards San Jose opened, from Fremont to Warm Springs. This new segment built south from there. “Efforts to bring BART service to Santa Clara County have been decades in the making,” said State Senator Jim Beall, who offered congratulations in a prepared statement. Beall secured billions of New Starts funding as a Metropolitan Transportation Commissioner and through several legislative bills he authored as the Chairman of the Transportation and Housing Committee, said the statement. “The resulting mobility, environmental, and quality of life benefits of this 10-mile extension, and the next 6-mile phase underway, will serve us well into the next century.”

The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition discussing bike features at the Berryessa Station in 2014. Photo: SVBC
The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition discussing bike features at the Berryessa Station in 2014. Photo: SVBC
false

A one-way Clipper fare from Berryessa Station to Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco will cost $8.15 and take a little over an hour. The two stations will together include over 3,000 parking spaces. There are also standard outdoor bike racks and BikeLink outdoor bike lockers, plus an indoor BikeLink secure bike storage facility available at both stations. "Overall, the City's commitment to bikes is wonderful and I believe they worked really hard on the connections in and around the station," wrote the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition's Shiloh Ballard, in an email to Streetsblog.

That next phase, which will cost an estimated $5.6 billion, includes extensive tunneling, and will take another ten years, will connect BART to downtown San Jose and Santa Clara. Meanwhile, riders wishing to continue south can use VTA’s new Line 500 express bus, which also goes live on June 13, and which will connect the Berryessa Transit Center to San Jose State University, Downtown San Jose, and Diridon Station.

A look at the new BART map. Image: BART
A look at the new BART map. Image: BART
false

Meanwhile, BART General Manager Bob Powers used this morning's event to thank BART's operators. “Without their service—they really are heroes—many of our front-line essential workers would not have been able to get to work,” he said. He thanked the construction workers who will build the extension to downtown San Jose under Phase III.

For a view of Milpitas station, check out BART's twitter:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Draft State Highway System Management Plan Urges State to Move Away from Gas Tax or Face Funding Shortfalls

The Draft State Highway System Management Plan (SHSMP) provides a ten-year prediction of statewide transportation funding needs

March 13, 2025

Transform, Partners Demand $2 Billion for the Bus

A coalition of transit advocates, providers, and unions is urging California’s Senate and Assembly leaders to put $2 billion for transit operations and capital improvements into the state’s budget.

March 13, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

VTA Strike Goes to Day 4, Embarcadero Redesign, Pasadena Safe Streets, and Dark News from DC.

March 13, 2025

What if the ‘Tesla Takedown’ Is Only the Beginning?

Tesla's cars have become symbols of Elon Musk's controversial role in U.S. politics — but they're also instruments of a violent system that long predates his time in the White House.

March 12, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Metro LAX Station Under Construction

Today's photos of LAX Metro Transit Center construction - with the new bike path and people mover visible The post Eyes on the Street: Metro LAX Station Under Construction appeared first on Streetsblog Los Angeles.

March 12, 2025
See all posts